The Vakka storage box by the designer couple Aalto + Aalto was inspired by the traditional plywood suitcases, which are very popular in the Baltic countries. An aesthetically appealing container, which is not a usual container was the result. The Vakka storage box is usable for several purposes; it can be used as a stackable piece of furniture or side table.

The Iittala company produces Vakka in the LK-Taivute in the Finnish Lahti, where there is a long tradition of working with plywood. Plywood is the ideal material for Vakka, since it it is an original, soft material which convinces with its natural beauty.

“Plywood is naturally beautiful – as well as stones at a beach. The shape was given by nature and it becomes even more beautiful with its age and with dents, seams and unevenness”, explained Klaus and Elina Aalto. Vakka was a natural challenge for the designer-duo, since the couple especially concentrated on functionality before. “We wanted to create something without its form as dominant factor. We tried to create traditionally practical and clever objects, whose appearance is directed by the function.”

Vakka by Iittala is available in natural and white plywood editions as well as in two sizes.